San Pedro de Atacamais 24% cheaper — BDI "Good Deal" (56/10) vs Puerto Vallarta "Pricey" (35/10). Dorms avg $24/night vs $17/night.
Quick Verdict
Best For…
Traveler type
🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta
🇨🇱 San Pedro de Atacama
Solo budget traveler
—
★★★★★
21 hostels, avg 8.5 rating
Couple on a budget
—
★★★★★
Private rooms avg $49/night
Digital nomad
—
★★★★★
Coffee $4.15, dorms avg $17
Nightlife seeker
—
★★★★★
Beer $4.21, 21 hostels
First-time Europer
—
★★★★★
19 attractions
Cost Comparison
Daily Budget
| Tier | 🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta | 🇨🇱 San Pedro de Atacama | You Save / day |
|---|---|---|---|
brokepackr Dorm bed · street food · free activities | $45 | $34 cheaper | $11/day |
backpackr Mix of dorm & private · restaurants | $58 | $49 cheaper | $9/day |
flashpackr Private rooms · dining out · some tours | — | $77 | — |
Price Intelligence
Seasonal Price Curve
Everyday Costs
Cost of Living
| Item | 🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta | 🇨🇱 San Pedro de Atacama |
|---|---|---|
| 🥙Street food meal Local market, street stall | $6 47% less | $11.30 |
| 🍽️Mid-range meal Sit-down restaurant, one person | $18 | $17.50 3% less |
| 🍺Beer (local draft) 500ml at a bar | $3 29% less | $4.21 |
| ☕Coffee Espresso or flat white | $3 28% less | $4.15 |
| 🚇Single metro / bus Standard single ticket | $0.60 3% less | $0.62 |
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Our Verdict + Hostel Quality
🇲🇽▼
Puerto Vallarta
Mexico
35
BDI: Pricey
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $24/night). Strong hostel scene (15 hostels).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelVive Alegria Hostel (9.3)
Annual dorm avg$24/night
Total hostels15
🇨🇱▼
San Pedro de Atacama
Chile
56
BDI: Good Deal
Brokepackr Deal Index™
Higher dorm prices (avg $17/night). Strong hostel scene (21 hostels). Plenty to see (19 attractions).
Hostel Quality
Avg guest rating8.5
Top-rated hostelHostal Belen (9.8)
Annual dorm avg$17/night
Total hostels21
Entry Requirements
Visa & Entry
Passport
🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta
🇨🇱 San Pedro de Atacama
🇪🇺 EU / EEA
Visa Free (180d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇺🇸 US
Visa Free (180d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇬🇧 UK
Visa Free (180d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇦🇺 Australia
Visa Free (180d)
Visa Free (90d)
🇨🇦 Canada
Visa Free (180d)
Visa Free (90d)
Flights
Getting There
City to City
Getting Between Puerto Vallarta & San Pedro de Atacama
Climate
Weather & Best Time to Visit
°C · mm
🇲🇽 Puerto Vallarta
No weather data
🇨🇱 San Pedro de Atacama
25°C
High
/
10°C
Low
🌧 Rainfall: 9mm/month
Best months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Common Questions
FAQ
Is Puerto Vallarta or San Pedro de Atacama cheaper for backpackers?+
How many hostels are in Puerto Vallarta vs San Pedro de Atacama?+
Do I need a visa for Puerto Vallarta or San Pedro de Atacama?+
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